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Curtin Uni students driving research aboard autonomous bus

Curtin University students Kate De La Cruz, Evie Dodge and Michael D'Costa on the new driverless bus. Picture: Matt Jelonek www.communitypix.com.au d467396

STUDENTS at Curtin University boarded a driverless bus last month.

A university spokesperson said it was the first tertiary institute in Australia to use a driverless bus on campus.

The autonomous, 100 per cent electric bus, built by a French-based company, seats 11 passengers and can travel up to 45km/h on a pre-determined route, using computer programming and remote sensors, stereo cameras and GPS.

University vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the autonomous bus trial would provide Curtin with a significant range of research opportunities and benefits while collaborating with major industry partners to enable further technology development.

“A wide range of Curtin research groups are looking to the future implementation of robotic and autonomous vehicles in areas such as health, traffic, communications, infrastructure and navigation technologies, including the public confidence in these quickly emerging technologies,” Professor Terry said.

“Autonomous vehicles will transform not only the way we commute but how we engage with our community and environment. Potential impacts of driverless technology include safer and more sustainable transport, more mobility options for people who are unable to drive and a reduction in traffic congestion and noise pollution.”